No “Millionaires’ Marina” along Liberty State Park’s non-commercial south side

Hudson Reporter

Nov 19, 2017 | 1250 views | 0 | 151 | |

Dear Editor:

Liberty State Park is again severely threatened by Governor Christie’s Department of Environmental Protection, which has made public-be-damned destructive backroom plans, this time to lease Liberty State Park’s entire south side for a second marina, a “millionaires’ marina” on the non-commercial, peaceful family picnicking side of the park right behind Lady Liberty.

The DEP Commissioner must have public hearings and a public comment period for this major privatization and commercialization plan. This massive south side marina plan would ruin LSP’s “Central Park” true purpose of people’s enjoyment of the peaceful openness of our urban waterfront haven for picnics, jogging, walking, bicycling, fishing, relaxing and taking in the expansive open harbor views looking southward toward the Verrazano Bridge.

We urge all who care about LSP’s future to email NJDEP Commissioner Bob Martin at commissioner@dep.nj.gov and/or call him at (609) 292-2885 to oppose this LSP south side marina and to demand public hearings and a public comment period. As a former NJDEP Commissioner asserted, “there must be a broad public consensus for any plans for LSP”. We also urge all public officials to speak out against this 11th hour Governor Christie unethical attack on urban families just wanting to enjoy the inspiring panoramic views in their “urban backyard.”

This obscene giveaway would radically wreck the deep American connection to the South Overlook Lawn with its Flag Plaza, the original picnic area and the jetties. This marina will destroy the use and spirit of the priceless area behind Lady Liberty. The LSP Caven Point Natural Area with its wildlife and scenic walkway would also be harmed.

This marina would inevitably confiscate parking spaces. On summer weekends, the two free lots are already packed. People’s free waterfront pleasures would also be negatively impacted by the marina’s blocking treasured harbor views, by loud motors and boaters’ loud partying music.

Please raise your voices again to protect LSP for us and future generations!